Artist: Prince of Assyria
Title: Missing Note
Release date: 2009-11-16
As a follow-up to the beautiful Whatever You Want single, Prince of Assyria returns with his debut album, Missing Notes. That single and its flipside, ‘Tliqa’, provide a common link between that first release and this full-length offering, which highlights the development and maturity of Ninos Dankha’s songwriting. It’s ‘Tliqa’ which offers the best indication of what to expect from these ten tracks, which shimmer and glide throughout.
A low-key acoustic gem, it carries remnants of the DNA of Leonard Cohen and Smog’s Bill Callahan, as well as the more stately corners of Nick Cave’s back catalogue, underpinned by a quietly ornate piano melody and topped off with Dankha’s sonorous tones. “I’m losing myself over your love,” he sighs, while barely audible strings sweep the elegant vignette along. A key touchstone for the remainder of the album, there’s a brooding intensity here which runs through much of his work, united by this ravishingly dark tone.
One of the most startling realisations about Dankha’s music is how he fuses together the contrasting facets of his background, and there’s a rich cultural diversity in his songwriting which reflects his life. Born in Baghdad, Dankha and his family fled to Sweden when he was one year old, and in combining narratives about his Assyrian heritage with more traditional Western folk styles he presents an enchanting hybrid.
The range of instrumentation on Missing Notes is equally diverse. Though his own style remains rooted in folk, there are plenty of other ingredients introduced to the fold which give additional depth to Dankha’s songwriting. Whether it’s the tabla rhythms and orchestral strains which decorate the sumptuous ‘Another Love Song’, or the use of accordion and swelling horns on the jazz-tinged ‘Sail the Ships Away’, which help to create a fun atmosphere which is, oddly, bordering on funk. Uncovering surprises at every turn, there are untold treasures to be discovered here.
The rhythmic finger-picking on ‘Emotion Laces’ is likely to draw comparisons with Nick Drake, another key reference point for Prince of Assyria, though it slowly morphs into a raga-informed jam reminiscent of Voice of the Seven Woods, complete with droning effects and tabla, which succeed in concocting a vibrant feel, with the insistent rhythms being a focal point.
A bittersweet record charting love and loss, there’s a lyrical dexterity apparent which perfectly complements the often downbeat melodies. Showcasing a delicious sense of the macabre, Missing Notes manages to be playful rather than morose, but packs an emotional weight which anchors these songs to universal themes.
Fully delivering on the promise outlined on his first single, Missing Notes properly unveils Dankha’s own vision, which is a uniquely exotic and hypnotic take on the troubadour. Achieved with a deft touch, there is a beguiling intimacy at the heart of this release which confirms Prince of Assyria as a force to be reckoned with. Warm and intoxicating, with a myriad layers revealing themselves with every listen, this is a debut album that you’ll want to play again and again.
HEAVEN AND HELL Göteborg - 2nd and 3rd October, 2009.8 fantastic live bands and 10 top deejays at a venue with two floors in the middle of Gothenburg, Sweden.BAND LINE-UP: THE INCREDIBLE STAGGERS - Austria CIRCULUS - England FOX MACHINE - Gothenburg HORISONT - Gothenburg THE MOBSMEN - Norway TEASPOON - Gothenburg DAVID PETER AND THE WILD SECT - Denmark THE DON DARLINGS - Gothenburg DEEJAY LINE-UP: KIM - WOODY WEST GBG EMMA RAND - GBG HOLLY - SCOTLAND SARAH - SCOTLAND ERIK - FRICTION GBG THOMAS - NORWAY SIMEN - NORWAY GAZZA - ITALY BIG T - GBG ALE - CLUB RADIO LONDON PETER - CLUB RADIO LONDON VENUE: STARS N BARS, GÖTEBORGDATES: 2 OCT - 3 OCT, 2009.HOURS: 20-03AGE: 18+
Hi Prince Of Assyria Don't miss the opportunity to play at the world's biggest festival for upcoming bands! Play at the best and biggest venues in your country. Sign up your band today at www.emergenzabaltic.com Hope to see your band ON stage! All the best Emergenza Festival
Hello there,
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<br />Just writing to let you know about the arrival of another new album from misophone- I sit at open windows, on another-record. (another-record.com, myspace.com/anotherrecord) Due out on May 5th.
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<br />The album contains 12 unreleased songs, including the previously lost archive tracks ‘castles in the sand’ & ‘cow bell blues’.
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<br />We hope you enjoy it…..
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<br />Best wishes.
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<br />m
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thanks for givin' me the chance to listen to you - the best voice i've heard for a long time! ;) / let me know when your next gig in berlin is - i will be there;) - all the best for you /thoto
Hi Prince Of Assyria Don't miss the opportunity to play at the world's biggest festival for upcoming bands! Play at the best and biggest venues in your country. Sign up your band today at www.emergenza.se Hope to see your band ON stage! All the best Emergenza Festival
